Anti-vibration support means



OC 19, 1965 N. D. RoMANos 3,212,567

ANTI-VIBRTION SUPPORT MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 8, 1962 INVENTOR. NICHOLAS D ROMANOS BY Q ATTORNEY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N. D. RoMANos ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORT MEANS Oct. 19, 1965 Filed May a, 1962 INVENTOR; NICHOLAS D. ROMANOS BY @aww-r ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,212,567 ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORT MEANS Nicholas D. Romanos, Chattanooga, Tenn., assignor to Combustion Engineering, Inc., Windsor, Conn., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 8, 1962, Ser. No. 193,207 4 Claims. (Cl. 165-69) This invention relates to a means for supporting the tubes of a heat exchanger. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved structure for supporting and preventing vibration between the tubes in a tube bundle of a shell and tube type heat exchanger.

During recent years, the so-called shell and tube type heat exchanger has been developed to provide a highly eicient means of generating vapor. Such generators provide a great amount of heating surface by means of the multiplicity of tubes that comprise a tube bundle which substantially fills the vapor generating chamber of such units.

A common form of vapor generator is that which employs a tube bundle'formed of a plurality of U-shaped tub-es. Through the tubes are passed a heating medium such as pressurized water, liquid metal, petroleum or gas, which gives up its heat to a vaporizable liquid, such as water, which surrounds the tubes thus creating vapor. Since the heating medium flows through the tubes is normally under a great amount of pressure, often upwards of 2,000 pounds per square inch, means must be provided to securely maintain the tubes in rigid alignment within the shell or vessel. This is normally achieved by providing a series of apertured plates through which the tubes extend and which are securely fastened to the wall of the generator. Such support means are quite effective for mounting a plurality of straight tubes, but when the tube bundle is formed of U-shaped tubes such means are effective in supporting only the straight portion of the tubes. The arcuate, or U-shaped, end portions of the tubes are oftentimes left either unsupported, or, at best, inadequately supported, thus subjecting them to a certain amount of vibration which is deleterious to the tube bundle, causing wear and, sometimes even cracking of the tubes.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple, yet effective means for overcoming the deleterious effects of vibration within a shell and tube type of vapor generator which employs U-shaped heat exchanger tubes.

A further object of the invention is to provide an antivibration support structure for heat exchanger tubes of a hairpin, or U-shape, which may easily be installed in shell type generators and which will permit the easy installation of the tubes in such generators.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a shell and tube type of vapor generator having hairpin shaped heat exchanger tubes and employing an anti-vibration structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the end portion of the generator shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a sectional View of the present generator taken along line 3 3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the support mounting employed in the present invention.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a heat exchanger, generally indicated at 10, incorporating the invention. The heat exchanger is of a generally conventional shell and tube type and includes a bundle of hairpin type, or U-shaped tubes 11 disposed within a shell structure 12. One end of the tube bundle 11 is supported by a tube sheet 13, the

'3,212,567 Patented Oct. 19, 1965 latter being provided with a plurality of apertures within which the ends of the tubes forming the tube bundle are inserted, as is well known in the art. The shell structure 12 includes an elongated cylindrical portion 15 and a pair of oppositely disposed end closures 16 and 17 of hernispherical shape which are weldedly joined to the cylindrical portion. The closure member 16 is provided with an integral partition 1S dividing it into hot fluid inlet and outlet chambers, 19 and 20. An enlarged opening 14 is located in the center of the tube sheet 13 in alignment with a cylindrical member which forms the vapor outlet nozzle 21, thus permitting withdrawal of Vapor from the generator.

The tube bundle 11 includes a plurality of U-shaped tubes 23 which are disposed in parallel layers with their U-shaped portions 24 concentrically arranged, so that the innermost U-shaped tube portions are of a relatively small radius and the outermost U-shaped tube portions are of a relatively large radius. With the remaining intermediate U-shaped tube portions of progressively graduated radius of curvature disposed therebetween. Since the tube bundle 11 conforms to the cylindrical shape of the shell portion, more tubes are provided in the central layer, and the layers above and below the central layers have a gradually decreasing number of tubes. Accordingly, the outermost U-shaped tube portions jointly denea generally hemispherical shape, as best shown in FIG. 3.

The tube bundle 11 is further provided withy a plurality rof transverse partition members 25 disposed in longitudinally spaced relation with each other. These partitions are provided with a plurality of apertures to permit the straight portions of the tubes 23 to extend therethrough, thereby to maintain the tubes in fixed spaced relationship with each other 'throughout their length. The partition members 25 are also provided with a plurality of smaller apertures 26 to permit fluid flow therethrough.

The shell casing is provided with a iiuid inlet nozzle 27 communicating with the vapor generating portion 28 of the chamber and a pair of nozzles, 29 and 30 which communicate with the hot fluid inlet and outlet chambers 19 and 20 to permit a continuous iiow of heating medium through the tubes 23 of the generator.

The heat exchanger structure thus far described is substantially conventional and operates in the following manner: a heating medium such as pressurized water, liquid metal, petroleum or gas, is admitted into the hot fluid inlet chamber 19 and is caused to iiow through the tubes 23 forming the tube bundle 11 and out of the generator through the hot iiuid outlet nozzle 30. Through the uid inlet nozzle 27 a vaporizable liquid such as water is admitted into the generator and ows through the apertures 26 in the partition members 25 to fill a substantial portion of the vapor generating chamber. This iiuid flows transversely across the tubes 23 of the tube bundle 11 absorbing heat which is given up by the heating medium and, by means of the thermal siphonic effect, is caused to rise to the upper portion of the vapor generating chamber during which time a portion of the iiuid is transformed into vapor which leaves the generator through the vapor outlet nozzle 21.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the end portion of the tube bundle 22 receives support from the endmost partition member 25 which is spaced a slight distance from the tangent points of the U-shaped portions 24 of the tubes 23, thus leaving the free end portions of the tubes substantially unsupported and free to vibrate due to the effects of the fluid iiowing therethrough on the one hand, and the iiuid flowing thereabout on the other, as well as mechanical vibrations. These vibrations can be deleterious to the operation of the generator, causing wear in the tubes and oftentimes cracking of the same.

In accordance with the invention there is provided an anti-vibration support structure generally indicated at 33 for supporting the end portions 24 of the tubes 23 and for minimizing the Vibration therein. This support structure includes a plurality of elongated spacer bars 34 which are interposed between adjacent layers of tubes and which are ultimately anchored with respect to the shell or casing structure to thus support the tubes 23 of the tube bundle 11 at their free ends. The spacer bars 34 are mounted by means of a plurality of bearing brackets 35 which are attached to the endmost partition 25. The brackets 35 are positioned such that apertures 36 provided therein are disposed substantially along the axis of the U-shaped portions 24. An elongated tie rod 37 is received within the apertures 36 and extends across the Width of the bundle 11. The rod 37 is anchored in position by means of washers 38 which are located at each end of the rod and weldedly attached thereto. One end of each spacer bar 34 is provided with an aperture 39 such that the spacer bar can be telescopically received upon the rod and pivotally supported thereon. Between each of the bars 34 a sleeve 40 comprising a cylinder having a thickness equal to the outside diameter of the tubes is placed. The bar thickness is equal to the width of the space between each tube layer such that the spacer bars t snugly between the layers. An elongated tie bar 41 which is arcuately shaped so as to conform to the configuration of the end portion of the tube bundle 11 is weldedly attached to the free ends of the spacer bars 34 which extend beyond the end portions 24 of the tubes 23. As shown in FIG. 3, lugs 42 are attached to the shell casing 12 at diametrically opposed points on the inner surface thereof to which the ends of the arcuate bar 41 are weldedly attached when the tube support structure is ultimately rotated into position.

As shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 2 the spacer bars 34 can be pivoted to one side at least to the tangent points of the U-shaped portions in order to permit easy assembly of the tube bundle 11. After the tube bundle 11 is assembled in place within the generator shell 12 the bar-s 34 are rotated into position and the ends of the arcuate bar 41 wieldedly attached to lugs 42 on the casing 12 to secure the structure in operative position.

The invention provides an anti-vibration support structure which is readily manufactured of easily obtainable bar stock, which need only be cut to the desired length and formed by simple machining and bending tools without the need for precision equipment or elaborate setups. The structure provides a means for securely anchoring the end portions of the tubes with respect to the shell casing such that vibrations in the free ends thereof are substantially eliminated or reduced to a point where damage to the tubes cannot result. Moreover, the structure provides a means for pivotably displacing the spacer bars to permit unencumbered assembly or disassembly of the tube bundle without dismantling the support structure.

While there has been disclosed a particular embodiment of the invention this disclosure is intended to merely illustrate and not to limit the inventive concept. It is understood that changes may be made in the form of the apparatus disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention covered by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a substantially closed vessel, a bundle of U-shaped heat exchange tubes housed in said vessel, said heat exchange tubes being disposed in spaced layers and having arcuate portions concentrically arranged in each layer, a tube sheet supporting the tubes of said bundle at the ends opposite said arcuate portions, fluid pervious partition means positioned adjacent the tangent points of said arcuate portions and the straights of said tubes, said partition means extending laterally of said vessel and attached to the wall thereof, apertures in said partition means adapted to supportingly receive the straights of said tubes, an anti-vibration support structure for maintaining the arcuate portions of said tube layers in spaced relation comprising elongated spacer members disposed between adjacent tube layers and extending beyond said arcuate portions, pivot mounting means attached to said partition means for mounting one end of said spacer members of pivotal movement about an axis substantially coaxial with the axis of said arcuate portions from at least one of said tangent points to a point substantially circumferentially spaced therefrom, a tie member attaching the free ends of said spacer members in alignment and means attached to the wall of said vessel for anchoring said spacer members in tube-supporting position intermediate said tangent points.

2. In combination, a substantially closed vessel, a bundle of U-shaped heat exchange tubes housed in said vessel, said heat exchange tubes being disposed in spaced layers and having arcuate portions concentrically a1- ranged in each layer, a tube sheet supporting the tubes of said bundle at the ends opposite said arcuate portions, fluid pervious partition means positioned adjacent the tangent points of said .arcuate portions and the straights of said tubes, said partition means extending laterally of said vessel and attached to the wall thereof, apertures in said partition means adapted to supportingly receive the straights of said tubes, an anti-vibration support structure for maintaining the arcuate portions of said tube layers in spaced relation comprising elongated spacer members disposed between adjacent tube layers and extending beyond said arcuate portions, pivot mounting means including bearing bracket means attached to said partition means, aperture means in said bearing bracket means disposed substantially coaxially with the axis of said arcuate portions, a pivot rod pivotally mounted in said bearing bracket aperture means and attaching one end of said spacer members for pivotal movement about said axis from at least one of said tangent points to a point intermediate the opposed tangent points of said arcuate portions, a tie member attaching the free ends of said spacer members in alignment, and lug means attached to the wall of said vessel adapted to anchor said tie member in tube-supporting position intermediate said opposed tangent points.

3. In combination, a substantially closed vessel, a bundle of U-shaped heat exchange tubes lhoused in said vessel, said heat exchange -tubes being disposed in spaced layers and having arcuate portions concentrically arranged in each layer, a tube sheet supporting the tubes of said bundle at the ends opposite said arcuate portions, fluid pervious partition means positioned adjacent the tangent points of said arcuate portions and the straights of said tubes, said partition mean-s extending laterally of said vessel and attached to the wall thereof, apertures in said partition means adapted to supportingly receive the straights of said tubes, and anti-vibration support structure for maintaining the arcuate portions of said tube layers in spaced relation comprising elongated spacer members disposed between adjacent tube layers and extending beyond said arcuate portions, pivot mounting means including spaced bearing brackets attached to said partition means, apertures in said bearing brackets disposed substantially coaxially with the axis of said arcuate portions, a pivot rod pivotally mounted in said bearing bracket apertures and attaching one end of said spacer members for pivotal movement about said axis from at least one of said tangent points to a point intermediate the opposed tangent points of said arcuate portions, sleeve means of a length substantially equal to the diameter of said tubes surrounding said pivot rod between adjacent spacer members, a tie member attaching the free ends of said spacer members in alignment, and lug means attached to the wall of said vessel adapted to anchor said tie member in tubesupporting position intermediate said opposed tangent points.

4. In combination, a substantially closed vessel, a

bundle of U-shaped heat exchange tubes housed in said vessel, said heat exchange tubes being disposed in spaced layers and having arcuate portions concentrically arranged in each layer, the radius of curvature of the arcuate portions of adjacent tube layers jointly imparting a hemispherical contour to the end of said tube bundle, a tube sheet supporting the tubes of said bundle at the ends opposite said arcuate portions, fluid pervious partition means positioned adjacent the tangent points of said arcuate portions and the straights of said tubes, said partition means extending laterally of said Vessel and attached to the Wall thereof, apertures in said partition means adapted to supportingly receive the straights of said tubes, an anti-vibration support structure for maintaining the arcuate portions of said tube layers in spaced relation comprising elongated spacer members disposed between adjacent tube layers and extending beyond said arcuate portions, pivot mounting means including spaced bearing brackets attached to said partition means, apertures in said bearing brackets disposed substantially coaxially with the axis of said arcuate portions, a pivot rod pivotally mounted in said bearing bracket aper-tures and attaching one end of said spacer members for pivotal movement about said axis from at least one of said tangent points to a point intermediate the opposed tangent points of said arcuate portions, sleeve means of a length substantially equal to the diameter of said tubes surrounding said pivot rod between adjacent References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,469,487 5/49 Woodard et al 16S-162 X 2,538,305 1/51 Folmsbee 248-68 X 2,780,354 2/57 Groover 16S-172 X 2,847,192 8/58 Smith et al. 16S-162 X 2,853,278 9/58 Hesler 206-59 3,007,679 11/61 Byerley et al. 165-69 X CHARLES SUKALO, Primary Examiner.

JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A SUBSTANTIALLY CLOSED VESSEL, A BUNDLE OF U-SHAPED HEAT EXCHANGE TUBES HOUSED IN SAID VESSEL, SAID HEAT EXCHANGE TUBES BEING DISPOSED IN SPACED LAYERS AND HAVING ARCUATE PORTIONS CONCENTRICALLY ARRANGED IN EACH LAYER, A TUBE SHEET SUPPORTING THE TUBES OF SAID BUNDLE AT THE ENDS OPPOSITE SAID ARCUATE PORTIONS, FLUID PERVIOUS PARTITION MEANS POSITIONED ADJACENT THE TANGENT POINTS OF SAID ARCUATE PORTIONS AND THE STRAIGHTS OF SAID TUBES, SAID PARTITION MEANS EXTENDING LATERALLY OF SAID VESSEL AND ATTACHED TO THE WALL THEREOF, APERTURES IN SAID PARTITION MEANS ADAPTED TO SUPPORTINGLY RECEIVE THE STRAIGHTS OF SAID TUBES, AN ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR MAINTAINING THE ARCUATE PORTIONS OF SAID TUBE LAYERS IN SPACED RELATION COMPRISING ELONGATED SPACER 